A planning application is due to be submitted for a new TV and film studio in North Lanarkshire, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced.

Ms Hyslop said a private investor is expected to submit proposals to 'significantly enhance' existing production facilities at the 48,000 sq ft Wardpark Studios in Cumbernauld.

Plans include a TV and studio facility complete with six sound stages, production offices, ancillary spaces and a back lot.

The expansion would provide an additional 30,000 sq ft across two new 50ft-high sound stages and has been subject to detailed negotiations between its owners Wardpark Studios Limited and the Film Studio Delivery Group (FSDG), comprising the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland.

The FSDG also confirmed that discussions are underway with potential private sector investors in relation to additional studio sites in Scotland.

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Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Wardpark Studios Limited's decision to seek planning consent for new studio facilities in Cumbernauld marks an important milestone in our work to strengthen the Scottish screen sector.

"We're seeing significantly increased activity in our screen sector. Film and TV producers spent an unprecedented £45.8 million shooting on location in Scotland in 2014. This record total – an increase of almost £12 million compared with 2013 – demonstrates a fast growing appetite for major productions to base themselves in Scotland.

"Our work to ensure additional screen infrastructure is developed in Scotland and the new funds we have set up, are helping us to build on this growth – incentivising filmmakers from around the world to come and realise their projects in Scotland."

Terry Thomson, Chairman of Wardpark Studios, added: "We want to enhance the existing four sound stages with a further two stages to expand and grow productions using the facility.

"With each production using the site, the benefits to the local and national economy are increased, reaching far beyond simply the studio and deep into the supply chain.

"Lighting and rigging suppliers, local builders' merchants, landscaping suppliers, transport suppliers and many others provide the products and services that ensure these global productions can be made right here in Scotland."

It's expected the planning application will be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council later this week.

(LM/MH)